Fans bask in excitement of Detroit Tigers' Opening Day

Tony and Pam Rinna, of Southgate, go all out with their face painting for the Detroit Tigers Opening Day game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park in Detroit, Friday April 5, 2013. (Oakland Press Photo:Vaughn Gurganian)

“We want a World Series win. We have the pitching. (Tigers owner Mike) Ilitch has done his part. I’m looking forward to the results.”

The throngs who turned out for the annual Opening Day party in Detroit Friday echoed those same thoughts.

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Michael (Mick), Zielinski, 6, of Hartland walked toward the ballpark loaded down with navy and orange beads and a backpack filled with Tigers gear.

Strolling with little Mick was his dad Michael and grandparents, Mike and Sandy Zielinski of White Lake.

“We’re baseball people,” said Sandy. “Mick goes to every game. This is his 4th Opening Day. He knows players and their numbers and we’re teaching him how to use the scorecard.”

A confident Shirley Forton of Clinton Township — surrounded by her daughters, Susan Wise of Harrison Township and Jennifer Morrison and Rhonda Pardo, both of Clinton Township — made a prediction for the Tigers season.

“We’re going to be on top, to the World Series,” she said.

Pardo loves the party atmosphere of Opening Day, she said.

“Everybody’s attitude is great — and it’s spring!” she said.

Ken Mosier of Lake Orion worked his way through hordes of people with pal Kurt Fish, also of Lake Orion. Mosier, wearing a University of Michigan jacket, has other sports on his mind this weekend.

“My son Kris goes to Michigan, so it’s a great time to be a fan here,” he said. Michigan plays Syracuse in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at 8:49 p.m. Saturday.

Fish said he and Mosier took vacation days to attend Opening Day.

“It’s a great day for Detroit,” said Fish, who works in the investment field.

Enjoying a beverage with friends before the game, Shirley Gallinat of Brighton said her boss told her she was jealous of Gallinat.

“She said she wanted to be here,” said Gallinat, who works for a bakery.

“We’re in the middle of a large move and I should be there helping.”

Gallinat confessed to being a serious Tigers fan, attending many games each year.

“My daughter-in-law’s birthday is near Mother’s Day and she and I are planning to come to a game and celebrate together,” she said.

Southfield resident Jeffrey Garland came to Opening Day early.

“I got here about 9 a.m. to beat the traffic and get something good to eat at the Tigers Den (at Comerica Park),” said Garland, who was meeting a friend from Kalamazoo.